EP2202016B1 - Powder application device for a system to manufacture workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation - Google Patents
Powder application device for a system to manufacture workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2202016B1 EP2202016B1 EP09012428A EP09012428A EP2202016B1 EP 2202016 B1 EP2202016 B1 EP 2202016B1 EP 09012428 A EP09012428 A EP 09012428A EP 09012428 A EP09012428 A EP 09012428A EP 2202016 B1 EP2202016 B1 EP 2202016B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- powder
- carrier
- raw material
- outlet opening
- application device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 title claims description 597
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 title claims description 34
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 title claims description 33
- 230000005670 electromagnetic radiation Effects 0.000 title claims description 28
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims description 25
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 claims description 102
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000009499 grossing Methods 0.000 description 106
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 68
- 238000000149 argon plasma sintering Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000004566 building material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011247 coating layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004927 fusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000399 orthopedic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004482 other powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005245 sintering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004559 tracking powder Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F3/00—Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sintering; Apparatus specially adapted therefor ; Presses and furnaces
- B22F3/004—Filling molds with powder
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F10/00—Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
- B22F10/20—Direct sintering or melting
- B22F10/28—Powder bed fusion, e.g. selective laser melting [SLM] or electron beam melting [EBM]
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F12/00—Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturing; Auxiliary means for additive manufacturing; Combinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
- B22F12/50—Means for feeding of material, e.g. heads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F12/00—Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturing; Auxiliary means for additive manufacturing; Combinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
- B22F12/60—Planarisation devices; Compression devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
- B29C64/10—Processes of additive manufacturing
- B29C64/141—Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials
- B29C64/153—Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
- B29C64/20—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
- B29C64/205—Means for applying layers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F2998/00—Supplementary information concerning processes or compositions relating to powder metallurgy
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P10/00—Technologies related to metal processing
- Y02P10/25—Process efficiency
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a carrier and powder application device, which is intended for use in a plant for the production of three-dimensional workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a plant equipped with such a powder application device for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular a laser melting or laser sintering system.
- the selective laser melting or laser sintering is a generative layer construction method by which pulverulent, in particular metallic and / or ceramic raw materials can be processed into complex shaped three-dimensional workpieces.
- a raw material powder layer is applied to a carrier and applied in a spatially selective manner depending on the desired geometry of the workpiece to be created with laser radiation.
- the laser radiation penetrating into the powder layer causes heating and consequently a fusion or sintering of the raw material powder particles.
- further raw material powder layers are successively applied to the already laser-treated layer on the carrier until the workpiece has the desired shape and size.
- Selective laser melting or laser sintering can be used in particular for the production of prototypes, tools, spare parts or medical prostheses, such as dental or orthopedic prostheses based on CAD data.
- a powder layer preparation device comprises a powder reservoir holder, which can be moved back and forth by means of a spindle drive via the carriers.
- the individual carriers associated insertion openings are formed which receive as swap bodies serving swap bodies.
- the interchangeable containers each have a powder dispensing opening, through which powder from the interchangeable containers can be applied to the carriers.
- the swap bodies each provided with Pulverabstreifimplantationn that serve to smooth the coated on the carrier powder layer during the movement of the powder reservoir holder on the carrier and to level to a desired height.
- the Pulverabstreifimplantation are movable together with the powder dispenser on a driven by a drive device common holder.
- the DE 94 00 364 U1 describes a device for producing a three-dimensional object.
- the device comprises an application device for applying a material to be consolidated from a container to a base.
- the container has a substantially funnel-shaped cross-section which is delimited by two side walls and widens from a slit-shaped narrower lower opening to a wider upper opening. At the lower edges of the side walls each stripping elements are attached. The distance of the stripping elements from the base can be adjusted so that the container can be moved without contact or only with little friction over a work table.
- the EP 1 439 050 A1 discloses a coater device for a building apparatus for the production of molded parts from building material with the introduction of radiant energy.
- the building material is transported via the coater with a horizontally movable blade assembly from a reservoir in a space, the building material is distributed by a downwardly facing edge of a coater blade as a uniform layer on a building surface.
- the building material passes through the lifting of a bottom of the reservoir between the coater blades. If the coating device is then moved horizontally in the direction of the installation space, the building material located between the coating blades is entrained and raised as a layer onto a building surface of the construction space.
- the coater is additionally provided with shearing blades.
- the shearing blades are capable of shearing upwardly projecting solidified material projections on the construction surface with their sharpened lower edge, so that the coater blades are prevented from getting caught on the material protrusions.
- a blade arrangement with two coater blades can be assigned to only one squeegee blade which can be positioned on both sides outside the coater blades of the blade arrangement for advancing in the transport direction of the powder.
- the invention is directed to the object to provide a carrier and powder application device for a plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, which allows for the production of a workpiece, a smoothing applied to the carrier raw material powder layers. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the object of providing a plant equipped with such a carrier and powder application device for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular a laser melting or laser sintering system.
- the carrier can be a rigidly fixed carrier.
- the carrier is designed to be displaceable in the vertical direction, so that the carrier can be moved in the vertical direction downwards with increasing height of the layered workpiece.
- the carrier and powder applicator device comprises a powder feed opening, through which raw material powder to be processed in the system can be fed into the powder application device.
- the raw material powder may be a plastic powder, a ceramic powder, a metallic powder and / or any other powder with any suitable grain size or particle size distribution.
- powders are processed with particle sizes ⁇ 200 microns.
- the powder application device according to the invention comprises a powder chamber which serves to receive raw material powder supplied via the powder feed opening into the powder application device and to be applied to a carrier.
- the powder space can be dimensioned such that it contains all the raw material powder needed to produce a workpiece be connected tracking device for tracking powder in the powder chamber of the powder applicator. Powder tracking can be continuous or discontinuous, as needed.
- the powder chamber of the carrier and powder applicator device comprises at least two mutually separable powder chambers.
- Each powder chamber is provided with a Pulverauslassö réelle for delivering raw material powder from the powder chamber on the support of the plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation.
- the powder space of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention can be divided into any number of powder chambers.
- the powder chambers must be sealed against each other in such a way that the penetration of raw material powder from one powder chamber into another powder chamber can be reliably prevented.
- the powder outlet openings of the powder chambers are preferably arranged in the region of an underside of the powder chambers facing the carrier, so that a gravity-driven powder discharge from the powder chambers to the carrier is also possible.
- the powder chambers of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention also different raw material powder can be added. This makes it possible to process various raw material powders in the production of a workpiece by selectively applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser melts or laser sintering.
- the powder space of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention may comprise a plurality of independently formed powder chambers.
- the powder chambers can be designed in modular construction and detachably connectable to each other.
- the carrier and powder application device can then each be operated with a desired number of powder chambers.
- the carrier and powder application device according to the invention may also comprise a powder space in which a plurality of, for example, two, by means of a partition wall separate powder chambers are provided.
- the carrier and powder applicator can then be made relatively compact and lightweight.
- the partition wall does not have to extend through the entire powder space of the carrier and powder application device, in particular in the vertical direction. Instead, the partition only needs to be designed to prevent the ingress of powder from one powder chamber into another powder chamber.
- the carrier and powder application device can be formed in particular when the powder space is formed by powder chambers separated from one another by means of a partition wall is, only have a powder feed opening can be fed through the raw material powder into the powder chambers of the powder chamber.
- a plurality of powder feed openings which are each assigned to the separate powder chambers and allow the selective supply of raw material powder in these powder chambers.
- Such a configuration of the carrier and powder applicator device according to the invention is advantageous when a particularly clean separation of processed with the help of powder application device raw material powder is required or required.
- the carrier and powder applicator of the invention i. when using the carrier and powder application device in a plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, the powder applicator of a, for example in the form of a spindle drive or the like formed drive means linearly over the carrier back and forth to Apply to the surface of the carrier or a workpiece arranged on the support raw material powder layers, which can then be subjected to the layered structure of the workpiece locally selective electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser radiation.
- the powder chambers of the powder application device are preferably each assigned a device for controlling the removal of powder through the powder outlet openings of the powder chambers. Preferably, such a control device is provided for each powder chamber of the powder application device. The powder applicator then allows for selective application of the various raw material powders to the carrier.
- the device for controlling the powder discharge through the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber may comprise a closure device controlling an outlet cross section of the powder outlet opening and / or a conveying device for conveying raw material powder received in the powder chamber in the direction of the powder outlet opening.
- the device for controlling the removal of powder through the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber is preferably designed such that it enables a metering of the raw material powder discharged from the powder chamber via the powder outlet opening.
- the device for controlling the removal of powder through the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber can be set up for the mass flow to control the raw material powder discharged from the powder chamber via the powder outlet opening stepwise or continuously.
- the device for controlling the removal of powder through the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber can be formed by a conveyor shaft which in operation raw material powder from the powder chamber in the direction of Pulverauslassö réelle and through the Pulverauslassö réelle on the support of the plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or promotes particle radiation.
- the conveyor shaft is preferably positioned to be in a resting state, i. in a non-driven state, the powder outlet of the powder chamber closes.
- the conveyor shaft can be driven by means of a suitable drive device in always the same direction of rotation or in alternating directions of rotation.
- the position of the powder outlet opening is selected relative to the position of the conveying shaft as a function of the desired driving direction of rotation of the conveying shaft.
- the powder application device comprises a plurality of conveying shafts
- all the conveying shafts can be driven in the same direction of rotation.
- the devices for controlling the powder discharge through the powder outlet openings of the powder chambers can be controlled by an electronic control unit depending on the desired structure of the workpiece to be produced by impinging powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser melting or laser sintering.
- the devices for controlling the removal of powder through the powder outlet openings of the powder chambers can be controlled such that layers of different raw material powders are applied successively to the carrier or an already produced workpiece layer.
- the powder chambers can be controlled so that different areas of the support of the plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation or the already produced workpiece layer with a layer of different raw material powders are covered.
- the carrier and powder application device preferably further comprises a smoothing slide which is positionable relative to a powder outlet opening of a powder chamber in such a way that during operation of the powder application device, i. when the powder applicator is moved over the carrier, sweeps over a raw material powder layer applied to the carrier by the powder outlet opening to flatten the raw material powder layer and level it to a desired height.
- the smoothing slider is preferably positionable relative to a powder outlet opening of a powder chamber such that it is disposed behind the powder outlet opening in operation relative to a direction of movement of the powder application apparatus. As a result, the smoothing slide can be guided over the raw material powder layer which is applied to the carrier through the powder outlet opening.
- the smoothing slide may be positionable behind all powder outlet openings of the powder applicator when the powder applicator is moved linearly in a first direction over the carrier.
- the smoothing slider can then be positively positioned only in front of the powder discharge ports in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the powder applicator is moved, it is then necessary to close the powder discharge ports of the powder applicator in the second direction as the powder applicator moves, i.e., in the second direction. to provide the movement of the powder application device in the second direction as "empty travel".
- Such a configuration and such operation of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention is useful if the carrier and powder application device should be as simple as possible and the cycle times required for workpiece production are of only minor importance.
- a powder application device which can be operated without “emptying” comprises a powder feed opening, a powder space for receiving raw material powder to be applied to a carrier and a powder space with at least one powder chamber. If the powder space comprises only a powder chamber, the powder chamber is provided with two separate Pulverauslassö réelleen for dispensing raw material powder from the powder chamber and a smoothing slide between the two Pulverauslassö réelleen arranged. As a result, the smoothing slide is always arranged behind a powder outlet opening in operation relative to a direction of movement of the powder applicator device and can smooth a raw material powder layer applied to the carrier via this powder outlet opening.
- Each powder outlet opening of the powder chamber may comprise a closure device controlling an outlet cross section of the powder outlet opening and / or a conveying device designed for example in the form of a conveyor shaft for conveying raw material powder accommodated in the powder chamber in the direction of the powder outlet opening.
- a powder applicator suitable for operation without “empty runs” thus does not necessarily have to be provided with at least two separate powder chambers and can be claimed independently of this feature.
- a powder application device according to the invention with separate powder chambers is also operable without “empty runs” when the powder application device comprises, for example, two powder chambers, the powder chambers are filled with the same powder and a smoothing slide between the Pulverauslassö réelleen the two powder chambers is arranged.
- the carrier and powder applicator device of the present invention may also include first and second smoothing sliders that are positionable relative to the powder outlets of the powder chambers such that, during operation of the powder applicator, when the powder applicator is moved over the carrier, one of the smoothing sliders passes over one At least one of the Pulverauslassö réelleen applied to the carrier applied raw material powder layer to smooth the raw material powder layer.
- first and second smoothing sliders that are positionable relative to the powder outlets of the powder chambers such that, during operation of the powder applicator, when the powder applicator is moved over the carrier, one of the smoothing sliders passes over one At least one of the Pulverauslassö réelleen applied to the carrier applied raw material powder layer to smooth the raw material powder layer.
- a smoothing slide can always be positioned in front of the powder outlet openings.
- the other smoothing slide may be positioned behind the powder outlet openings and passed over the raw material powder layer applied to the carrier through the powder outlet openings. In such an embodiment of the powder applicator "empt
- each powder outlet opening of a powder chamber is associated with a separate smoothing slide that is positionable relative to the powder outlet opening such that it moves over the carrier during operation of the powder application device is swept over an applied through the Pulverauslassö réelle on the carrier raw material powder layer to smooth the raw material powder layer.
- the smoothing slider is preferably positionable relative to the powder outlet opening so as to be located behind the powder outlet opening in operation with respect to a moving direction of the powder application apparatus.
- each powder outlet port of a powder chamber may be associated with first and second smoothing shifters positionable relative to the powder exhaust port such that, during operation of the powder application device, as the powder applicator is moved over the carrier, one of the smoothing shifters extends across the powder outlet port on the powder discharge port Carrier applied raw material powder layer strokes to smooth the raw material powder layer.
- a smoothing slide is always positionable behind the powder outlet opening in operation relative to a direction of movement of the powder application device and can be guided via the raw material powder layer applied to the carrier by the powder outlet opening. This allows the avoidance of "empty runs".
- One or all smoothing slides of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention can / can be displaced vertically between a rest position and an operating position.
- a smoothing slide In its rest position, a smoothing slide preferably has no contact with a powder-powder surface produced by the powder application device, ie, applied to the carrier.
- the smoothing slide In his operating position, the smoothing slide is guided over the powdery material surface produced by the powder application device, ie the raw material powder surface applied to the carrier, in order to smooth the raw material powder surface and to level it to a desired height.
- the vertical displacement of the smoothing slide can be done manually or automatically, for example controlled by an electronic control unit.
- the carrier and powder application device may comprise one or more smoothing slides, which / is horizontally displaceable between a first and a second position / are.
- the smoothing slide is then in the operation of the powder application device, when the powder applicator reciprocated in opposite directions across the carrier, always positionable relative to a Pulverauslassö réelle a powder chamber so that it sweeps over an applied through the Pulverauslassö réelle on the carrier raw material powder layer to the Smooth raw material powder layer.
- the smoothing slider is horizontally displaceable in such a way that it can always be positioned behind the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber in the operation of the powder applicator with respect to a direction of movement of the powder applicator.
- a horizontally displaceable smoothing slide can only be formed horizontally or horizontally and vertically displaceable. The horizontal displacement of a smoothing slide can be done manually or automatically, for example controlled by an electronic control unit.
- each powder outlet opening of the powder applicator device is assigned a smoothing slide
- a part of the smoothing slides or all smoothing slides can be made horizontally displaceable.
- the carrier and powder applicator device according to the invention with only one smoothing slide, which is arranged horizontally between a first position in which the smoothing slide is arranged behind all powder outlet openings in operation relative to a direction of movement of the powder application device, and a second position in which the smoothing slide is arranged in relation to an opposite direction of movement of the powder application device in operation behind all Pulverauslassö réelleen is displaced.
- a horizontally or vertically displaceable smoothing slide of the carrier and powder application device can be coupled to a device for controlling the powder discharge through a powder outlet opening of a powder chamber which closes or releases the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber in dependence on a position of the smoothing slide.
- the smoothing gate and the powder discharge control means may be coupled through a powder discharge port of a powder chamber such that the powder discharge control device through a powder discharge port of a powder chamber closes the powder discharge port when the smoothing gate is in its rest position.
- the smoothing gate and the powder discharge control means may be coupled through a powder discharge port of a powder chamber such that the powder discharge control device closes the powder discharge port through a powder outlet port of a powder chamber when the smoothing gate is in operation only in relation to a direction of movement of the powder application device is arranged in front of the Pulverauslassö Maschinen Maschinen GmbH.
- the control of a horizontally and / or vertically displaceable smoothing slide, as well as the control of the device for controlling the powder discharge through a powder outlet opening of a powder chamber can be taken over by an electronic control unit.
- This electronic control unit may be an electronic control unit exclusively assigned to the powder application device.
- the control functions required during operation of the powder application device can also be assumed by a superordinate control unit of the plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation.
- the electronic control unit preferably controls the operation of the powder applicator device according to the invention as a function of CAD data of the workpiece to be produced by impinging powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser melts or laser sintering.
- a plant according to the invention for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation comprises an irradiation device for the selective application of an applied to a carrier raw material powder layer with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser radiation.
- the irradiation device preferably comprises a focused laser.
- a beam of the irradiation device is guided over the raw material powder layer applied to the carrier, so that the raw material powder layer applied to the carrier is locally selectively exposed to electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation.
- the heat input into the raw material powder layer caused by the application of electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation causes the individual particles of the raw material powder in the raw material powder layer to fuse or sinter together, thereby producing a layered workpiece structure.
- a carrier and powder application device of the plant according to the invention for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation is a carrier and powder application device according to the invention described above.
- Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a powder coating apparatus 10, which is intended for use in a plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular a laser melting or Lasersinterstrom.
- the powder applicator 10 is by means of a not further illustrated drive means, which may be formed for example in the form of a spindle drive or the like, as indicated by the arrows P1 and P2, linearly reciprocating over a surface of a carrier 12 and forth.
- powder applicator comprises a powder chamber 14 for receiving on the surface of the carrier 12 applied raw material powder, which is formed by four parallelepiped formed separately Pulverkammem 16a to 16d.
- the powder chambers 16a to 16d are detachably connected to each other so that the powder coating apparatus 10 can be provided with any number of powder chambers 16a to 16d.
- Each powder chamber 16a to 16d can be fed discontinuously or continuously raw material powder via a corresponding powder feed opening 18a to 18d.
- the powder chambers 16a to 16d of the powder application device 10 are provided with powder outlet openings 19a to 19d.
- Raw material powder can be applied from the powder chambers 16a to 16d to the surface of the carrier 12 via the powder outlet openings 19a to 19d while the powder application device 10 is moved over the carrier surface.
- a raw material powder layer is produced on the carrier surface.
- the raw material powder layer can then be subjected to layer-wise construction of a workpiece by a laser device in a location-selective manner with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser radiation.
- the powder chambers 16a to 16d of the powder application apparatus 10 can be filled with different raw material powders, wherein the raw material powders can be plastic powders, ceramic powders and / or metallic powders. With the aid of the powder application apparatus 10, various raw material powders can thus be processed in the production of workpieces by selectively applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser melts or laser sintering.
- the powder space 14' comprises two powder chambers 16a ', 16b'.
- the powder chambers 16a ', 16b' are separated from each other by means of a partition wall 22 '.
- the powder chambers 16a ', 16b' can be supplied discontinuously or continuously via a common powder feed opening 18 'by means of a suitable feed device designed, for example, in the form of a feed hose or the like.
- the powder chambers 16a ', 16b' are in turn each provided with a Pulverauslassö réelle 19a ', 19b', by the raw material powder from the powder chambers 16a ', 16b' on a surface of a support, not shown, a plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic Radiation or particle radiation can be applied.
- a conveying shaft 24a', 24b ' is arranged in each case. While the conveyor shaft 24a 'is driven clockwise by a driver, the conveyor shaft 24b' is driven counterclockwise by a driver.
- the conveying shafts 24a ', 24b' serve to convey the raw material powder accommodated in the powder chambers 16a ', 16b' in the direction of the powder outlet openings 19a ', 19b'.
- the conveying shafts 24a ', 24b' are provided on their surface with a plurality of recesses 26a ', 26b'.
- the conveying shafts 24a ', 24b' are positioned so that they shut off the powder outlet openings 19a ', 19b' of the powder chambers 16a ', 16b' in an idle state, ie in a non-driven state.
- this in Fig. 1 is not illustrated, it is understood that the in Fig. 1 shown powder applicator 10 may be provided with conveyor shafts or other means for controlling the powder discharge through the powder outlet of the powder chambers.
- the powder application device 10 comprises a smoothing slide 28' arranged between the powder outlet openings 19a ', 19b'.
- the smoothing slide 28 ' serves to smooth the powder coating layer applied by the powder application device 10' on the support surface and to level to a desired level.
- the smoothing slider 28 ' is located behind the powder discharge port 19a' with respect to the moving direction of the powder applicator 10.
- the smoothing slide 28 ' can then smooth a powder powder layer applied to the carrier surface via the powder outlet opening 19a' and bring it to a desired height.
- the smoothing slider 28' is disposed behind the powder discharge port 19b '.
- the smoothing slide 28 ' can then smooth out a raw material powder layer applied to the carrier surface via the powder outlet opening 19b' and bring it to a desired height. "Empty runs" are avoided in this procedure.
- the powder applicator 10 is moved in the direction of the arrow P1 over the carrier surface when raw material powder from the powder chamber 16a 'is to be applied to the carrier surface.
- the powder applicator 10' is moved over the carrier surface in the direction of the arrow P2. Consequently, when the powder chambers 16a ', 16b' are filled with the same raw material powder, operation without "idling" is possible.
- the operation of the powder applicator 10 ' may also include desirable "empty runs", in particular when using different raw material powders in the powder chambers 16a', 16b ', in which the powder applicator 10' is moved across the carrier surface, both powder outlet openings 19a ', 19b' but are closed, so that no raw material powder is applied to the support surface.
- the smoothing slide 28' In order to prevent the smoothing slide 28 'from striking the support surface or an already existing workpiece surface in a disturbing manner during these "empty runs", the smoothing slide 28' is vertical between a rest position in which the smoothing slide 28 'is not in contact with any of the powder application device 10 'generated Rohstoffpulverobertläche or an existing workpiece surface, and an operating position in which the smoothing slide 28' is guided over the powder application device 10 'generated raw material powder surface, displaceable.
- powder applicator 10 ' differs from the arrangement according to Fig. 2 in that it comprises not just one but two smoothing slides 28a ', 28b'.
- the smoothing slider 28b' When the powder applicator 10 'is moved over the support surface in the direction of the arrow P1, the smoothing slider 28b' is disposed behind the powder outlet openings 19a ', 19b'. The smoothing slider 28b 'may then smooth the raw powder layer applied to the carrier surface by the powder applicator 10' and bring it to a desired height.
- the smoothing slider 28a' is disposed behind the powder outlet openings 19a ', 19b'.
- the smoothing slider 28a ' can smooth the raw material powder layer applied to the carrier surface by the powder applicator 10' and bring it to a desired height. Due to the design of the powder application device 10 'with two smoothing slides 28a', 28b 'can be avoided during operation of the powder applicators 10'"emptyruns" because regardless of the direction of movement of the powder applicator 10 'always a smoothing slide 28a', 28b 'behind the powder outlet 19a' , 19b 'is arranged.
- the smoothing sliders 28a ', 28b', as well as the smoothing slider 28 ', are according to the arrangement Fig. 2 , vertical between a rest position and an operating position displaceable. In their rest position, the smoothing slides 28a ', 28b' have no contact with a raw material powder surface or an already existing workpiece surface produced by the powder application device 10 '. In their operating position, on the other hand, the smoothing slides 28a ', 28b' are guided over the raw material powder surface produced by the powder application device 10 'in order to smooth them and bring them to a desired height.
- the smoothing slide 28a ', 28b' are independently controllable in their rest position and their operating position.
- the smoothing slide 28a', 28b ' is preferably always in its operating position, which is arranged behind the powder outlet openings 19a', 19b 'relative to the direction of movement of the powder application device 10'.
- the smoothing slider 28a ', 28b' positioned in front of the powder outlet openings 19a ', 19b' relative to the direction of movement of the powder applicator 10 ' is usually in its rest position during operation of the powder applicator 10'.
- the structure and operation of the powder applicator 10 ' correspond to FIG Fig. 3 the structure and operation of the arrangement Fig. 2 ,
- Fig. 4 shows a powder applicator 10 ', which differs from the arrangement according to Fig. 3 differs in that instead of two, it comprises four smoothing slides 28a 'to 28d'.
- the smoothing vanes 28a ', 28b' are associated with the powder outlet opening 19a 'and serve to flatten and to bring to a desired level a raw material powder layer produced on the powder outlet opening 19a' on a carrier surface.
- the smoothing slides 28c ', 28d' are associated with the powder outlet opening 19b 'and serve to smooth a raw material powder layer and bring it to a desired height, which is applied to the carrier surface via the powder outlet opening 19b'.
- the smoothing slides 28a 'to 28d' are independently vertical between a rest position in which they have no contact with a powder application device 10 'produced raw material powder surface or an already existing workpiece surface, and an operating position in which they by the powder application device 10th 'produced raw material powder surface are guided, displaceable.
- the smoothing valves 28c ', 28d' associated with the powder outlet opening 19b ' are in their rest position.
- a smoothing slide 28a ', 28b' associated with the powder outlet opening 19a ' is in its operating position. This is at a movement of the powder applicator 10 'in the direction of the arrow P1 of the smoothing slide 28b' and at a Movement of the powder application direction 10 'in the direction of the arrow P2 of the smoothing slide 28a'.
- Fig. 5 illustrated powder applicator 10 'differs from the arrangement according to Fig. 3 in that it does not comprise two, but only a smoothing slide 28 ".
- the smoothing slide 28" is not only vertically between a rest position and an operating position but also horizontally between a first and an inward position Fig. 5 displaced by dashed lines indicated second position.
- the smoothing slide 28 When the powder applicator 10 'is moved over a support surface in the direction of arrow P1, the smoothing slide 28 "is in its first position behind the powder outlet openings 19a', 19b 'and can smooth the raw material powder layer produced by the powder applicator 10' to a desired height
- the smoothing slide 28 can move into its inward position Fig. 5 shown in dashed lines second position, in which he again with respect to the direction of movement of the powder application device 10 'behind the powder outlet 19 a', 19 b 'is arranged.
- FIG. 6 a powder application device 10 ', with two vertically between a rest position and an operating position and horizontally between a first and a in Fig. 6 dashed shown second position are displaced.
- the smoothing slider 28a is associated with the powder outlet 19a 'while the smoothing slider 28b" is associated with the powder outlet 19b'.
- the smoothing spool 28b When powder is dispensed through the powder discharge port 19a 'in operation of the powder applicator 10', the smoothing spool 28b "is in its rest position, whereas when the powder applicator 10 'is moved in the direction of the arrow P1, the smoothing spool 28a" is in its first position and during a movement of the powder application device 10 'in the direction of the arrow P2 in his in Fig. 6 dashed shown second position.
- the smoothing slider 28a when raw material powder is applied to a support surface via the powder discharge port 19b ', the smoothing slider 28a "is at its rest position."
- the powder application device 10' moves in the direction of the arrow P1
- the smoothing slider 28b is in its first position and moving the powder applicator 10 "in the direction of the arrow P2 in his in Fig. 6 dashed shown second position.
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Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung, die zum Einsatz in einer Anlage zur Herstellung von dreidimensionalen Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung vorgesehen ist. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine mit einer derartigen Pulverauftragvorrichtung ausgestattete Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung, insbesondere eine Laserschmelz- oder Lasersinteranlage.The present invention relates to a carrier and powder application device, which is intended for use in a plant for the production of three-dimensional workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a plant equipped with such a powder application device for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular a laser melting or laser sintering system.
Das selektive Laserschmelzen oder Lasersintern ist ein generatives Schichtbauverfahren, durch das pulverförmige, insbesondere metallische und/oder keramische Rohstoffe zu komplex geformten dreidimensionalen Werkstücken verarbeitet werden können. Hierzu wird eine Rohstoffpulverschicht auf einen Träger aufgebracht und in Abhängigkeit der gewünschten Geometrie des zu erstellenden Werkstücks ortselektiv mit Laserstrahlung beaufschlagt. Die in die Pulverschicht eindringende Laserstrahlung bewirkt eine Erwärmung und folglich eine Verschmelzung oder Versinterung der Rohstoffpulverpartikel. Anschließend werden sukzessiv weitere Rohstoffpulverschichten auf die bereits laserbehandelte Schicht auf dem Träger aufgebracht bis das Werkstück die gewünschte Form und Größe hat. Selektives Laserschmelzen oder Lasersintern kann insbesondere zur Herstellung von Prototypen, Werkzeugen, Ersatzteilen oder medizinischen Prothesen, wie zum Beispiel zahnärztlichen oder orthopädischen Prothesen anhand von CAD-Daten eingesetzt werden.The selective laser melting or laser sintering is a generative layer construction method by which pulverulent, in particular metallic and / or ceramic raw materials can be processed into complex shaped three-dimensional workpieces. For this purpose, a raw material powder layer is applied to a carrier and applied in a spatially selective manner depending on the desired geometry of the workpiece to be created with laser radiation. The laser radiation penetrating into the powder layer causes heating and consequently a fusion or sintering of the raw material powder particles. Subsequently, further raw material powder layers are successively applied to the already laser-treated layer on the carrier until the workpiece has the desired shape and size. Selective laser melting or laser sintering can be used in particular for the production of prototypes, tools, spare parts or medical prostheses, such as dental or orthopedic prostheses based on CAD data.
Eine aus der
Die
Die
Die Erfindung ist auf die Aufgabe gerichtet, eine Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung für eine Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung bereitzustellen, die bei der Herstellung eines Werkstücks eine Glättung von auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschichten ermöglicht. Ferner ist die Erfindung auf die Aufgabe gerichtet, eine mit einer derartigen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung ausgestattete Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung, insbesondere eine Laserschmelz- oder Lasersinteranlage bereitzustellen.The invention is directed to the object to provide a carrier and powder application device for a plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, which allows for the production of a workpiece, a smoothing applied to the carrier raw material powder layers. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the object of providing a plant equipped with such a carrier and powder application device for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular a laser melting or laser sintering system.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 sowie eine Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 9 gelöst.This object is achieved by a carrier and powder application device with the features of
Eine erfindungsgemäße Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung zur Verwendung in einer Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung, insbesondere einer Laserschmelz- oder Lasersinteranlage umfasst einen Träger zur Aufnahme eines Rohstoffpulvers sowie eines durch ein generatives Schichtbauverfahren aus dem Rohstoffpulver hergestellten Werkstücks. Grundsätzlich kann der Träger ein starr fixierter Träger sein. Vorzugsweise ist der Träger jedoch in vertikaler Richtung verschiebbar ausgebildet, so dass der Träger mit zunehmender Bauhöhe des schichtweise aufgebauten Werkstücks in vertikaler Richtung nach unten bewegt werden kann. Ferner umfasst die Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung eine Pulverzufuhröffnung, durch die in der Anlage zu verarbeitendes Rohstoffpulver in die Pulverauftragvorrichtung zuführbar ist. Das Rohstoffpulver kann ein Kunststoffpulver, ein keramisches Pulver, ein metallisches Pulver und/oder ein beliebiges anderes Pulver mit einer beliebigen geeigneten Korngröße bzw. Korngrößenverteilung sein. Vorzugsweise werden Pulver mit Korngrößen < 200 µm verarbeitet. Ferner umfasst die erfindungsgemäße Pulverauftragvorrichtung einen Pulverraum, der dazu dient, über die Pulverzufuhröffnung in die Pulverauftragvorrichtung zugeführtes und auf einen Träger aufzubringendes Rohstoffpulver aufzunehmen. Der Pulverraum kann so dimensioniert sein, dass er das gesamte zur Herstellung eines Werkstücks benötigte Rohstoffpulver nachführvorrichtung zur Nachführung von Pulver in den Pulverraum der Pulverauftragvorrichtung verbunden sein. Die Pulvernachführung kann, je nach Bedarf, kontinuierlich oder diskontinuierlich erfolgen.A carrier and powder application device according to the invention for use in a plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular a laser melting or Lasersinteranlage comprises a carrier for receiving a raw material powder and a produced by a generative layer construction process from the raw material powder workpiece. In principle, the carrier can be a rigidly fixed carrier. Preferably, however, the carrier is designed to be displaceable in the vertical direction, so that the carrier can be moved in the vertical direction downwards with increasing height of the layered workpiece. Furthermore, the carrier and powder applicator device comprises a powder feed opening, through which raw material powder to be processed in the system can be fed into the powder application device. The raw material powder may be a plastic powder, a ceramic powder, a metallic powder and / or any other powder with any suitable grain size or particle size distribution. Preferably, powders are processed with particle sizes <200 microns. Furthermore, the powder application device according to the invention comprises a powder chamber which serves to receive raw material powder supplied via the powder feed opening into the powder application device and to be applied to a carrier. The powder space can be dimensioned such that it contains all the raw material powder needed to produce a workpiece be connected tracking device for tracking powder in the powder chamber of the powder applicator. Powder tracking can be continuous or discontinuous, as needed.
Der Pulverraum der erfindungsgemäßen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung umfasst mindestens zwei voneinander trennbare Pulverkammern. Jede Pulverkammer ist mit einer Pulverauslassöffnung zur Abgabe von Rohstoffpulver aus der Pulverkammer auf den Träger der Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung versehen. Es versteht sich, dass der Pulverraum der erfindungsgemäßen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung in eine beliebige Anzahl von Pulverkammern unterteilt sein kann. Die Pulverkammern müssen jedoch derart gegeneinander abgedichtet sein, dass das Eindringen von Rohstoffpulver aus einer Pulverkammer in eine andere Pulverkammer sicher unterbunden werden kann. Die Pulverauslassöffnungen der Pulverkammern sind vorzugsweise im Bereich einer dem Träger zugewandten Unterseite der Pulverkammern angeordnet, so dass auch eine schwerkraftgetriebene Pulverabfuhr aus den Pulverkammern auf den Träger möglich ist. In den Pulverkammern der erfindungsgemäßen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung können auch unterschiedliche Rohstoffpulver aufgenommen werden. Dadurch wird es ermöglicht, bei der Herstellung eines Werkstücks durch selektives Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung, insbesondere Laserschmelzen oder Lasersintern verschiedene Rohstoffpulver zu verarbeiten.The powder chamber of the carrier and powder applicator device according to the invention comprises at least two mutually separable powder chambers. Each powder chamber is provided with a Pulverauslassöffnung for delivering raw material powder from the powder chamber on the support of the plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation. It is understood that the powder space of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention can be divided into any number of powder chambers. However, the powder chambers must be sealed against each other in such a way that the penetration of raw material powder from one powder chamber into another powder chamber can be reliably prevented. The powder outlet openings of the powder chambers are preferably arranged in the region of an underside of the powder chambers facing the carrier, so that a gravity-driven powder discharge from the powder chambers to the carrier is also possible. In the powder chambers of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention also different raw material powder can be added. This makes it possible to process various raw material powders in the production of a workpiece by selectively applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser melts or laser sintering.
Der Pulverraum der erfindungsgemäßen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung kann mehrere unabhängig voneinander ausgebildete Pulverkammern umfassen. Beispielsweise können die Pulverkammern in Modulbauweise ausgeführt und lösbar miteinander verbindbar sein. Die Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung kann dann jeweils mit einer gewünschten Anzahl von Pulverkammern betrieben werden. Alternativ dazu kann die erfindungsgemäße Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung jedoch auch einen Pulverraum umfassen, in dem mehrere, beispielsweise zwei, mittels einer Trennwand voneinander getrennte Pulverkammern vorgesehen sind. Die Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung kann dann verhältnismäßig kompakt und leichtgewichtig gestaltet werden. Die Trennwand muss sich insbesondere in vertikaler Richtung nicht durch den gesamten Pulverraum der Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung erstrecken. Stattdessen muss die Trennwand lediglich so gestaltet sein, dass sie das Eindringen von Pulver aus einer Pulverkammer in eine andere Pulverkammer unterbindet.The powder space of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention may comprise a plurality of independently formed powder chambers. For example, the powder chambers can be designed in modular construction and detachably connectable to each other. The carrier and powder application device can then each be operated with a desired number of powder chambers. Alternatively, however, the carrier and powder application device according to the invention may also comprise a powder space in which a plurality of, for example, two, by means of a partition wall separate powder chambers are provided. The carrier and powder applicator can then be made relatively compact and lightweight. The partition wall does not have to extend through the entire powder space of the carrier and powder application device, in particular in the vertical direction. Instead, the partition only needs to be designed to prevent the ingress of powder from one powder chamber into another powder chamber.
Die Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung kann insbesondere dann, wenn der Pulverraum durch mittels einer Trennwand voneinander getrennte Pulverkammern gebildet wird, lediglich eine Pulverzufuhröffnung aufweisen, durch die Rohstoffpulver in die Pulverkammern des Pulverraums zugeführt werden kann. Alternativ dazu ist es jedoch auch denkbar, mehrere Pulverzufuhröffnungen vorzusehen, die jeweils den voneinander getrennten Pulverkammern zugeordnet sind und die selektive Zufuhr von Rohstoffpulver in diese Pulverkammern ermöglichen. Eine derartige Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung ist dann vorteilhaft, wenn eine besonders saubere Trennung der mit Hilfe der Pulverauftragvorrichtung verarbeiteten Rohstoffpulver gewünscht oder erforderlich ist.The carrier and powder application device can be formed in particular when the powder space is formed by powder chambers separated from one another by means of a partition wall is, only have a powder feed opening can be fed through the raw material powder into the powder chambers of the powder chamber. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable to provide a plurality of powder feed openings, which are each assigned to the separate powder chambers and allow the selective supply of raw material powder in these powder chambers. Such a configuration of the carrier and powder applicator device according to the invention is advantageous when a particularly clean separation of processed with the help of powder application device raw material powder is required or required.
Im Betrieb der erfindungsgemäßen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung, d.h. bei einem Einsatz der Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung in einer Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung, kann die Pulverauftragvorrichtung von einer beispielsweise in Form eines Spindeltriebs oder dergleichen ausgebildeten Antriebseinrichtung linear über den Träger hin- und herbewegt werden, um auf die Oberfläche des Trägers bzw. eines auf dem Träger angeordneten Werkstücks Rohstoffpulverschichten aufzubringen, die anschließend zum schichtweisen Aufbau des Werkstücks ortselektiv mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung, insbesondere Laserstrahlung beaufschlagt werden können. Zur Steuerung des Rohstoffpulverschichtaufbaus auf dem Träger ist den Pulverkammern der Pulverauftragvorrichtung vorzugsweise jeweils eine Einrichtung zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch die Pulverauslassöffnungen der Pulverkammern zugeordnet. Vorzugsweise ist für jede Pulverkammer der Pulverauftragvorrichtung eine derartige Steuereinrichtung vorgesehen. Die Pulverauftragvorrichtung ermöglicht dann eine selektive Aufbringung der verschiedenen Rohstoffpulver auf den Träger.In operation, the carrier and powder applicator of the invention, i. when using the carrier and powder application device in a plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, the powder applicator of a, for example in the form of a spindle drive or the like formed drive means linearly over the carrier back and forth to Apply to the surface of the carrier or a workpiece arranged on the support raw material powder layers, which can then be subjected to the layered structure of the workpiece locally selective electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser radiation. For controlling the raw material powder layer structure on the support, the powder chambers of the powder application device are preferably each assigned a device for controlling the removal of powder through the powder outlet openings of the powder chambers. Preferably, such a control device is provided for each powder chamber of the powder application device. The powder applicator then allows for selective application of the various raw material powders to the carrier.
Die Einrichtung zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch die Pulverauslassöffnung der Pulverkammer kann eine einen Auslassquerxhnitt der Pulverauslassöffnung steuernde Verschlussvorrichtung und/oder eine Fördereinrichtung zur Förderung von in der Pulverkammer aufgenommenem Rohstoffpulver in Richtung der Pulverauslassöffnung umfassen. Die Einrichtung zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch die Pulverauslassöffnung der Pulverkammer ist vorzugsweise so gestaltet, dass sie eine Dosierung des über die Pulverauslassöffnung aus der Pulverkammer abgegebenen Rohstoffpulvers ermöglicht. Insbesondere kann die Einrichtung zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch die Pulverauslassöffnung der Pulverkammer dazu eingerichtet sein, den Massenstrom des über die Pulverauslassöffnung aus der Pulverkammer abgegebenen Rohstoffpulvers stufenweise oder stufenlos zu steuern.The device for controlling the powder discharge through the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber may comprise a closure device controlling an outlet cross section of the powder outlet opening and / or a conveying device for conveying raw material powder received in the powder chamber in the direction of the powder outlet opening. The device for controlling the removal of powder through the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber is preferably designed such that it enables a metering of the raw material powder discharged from the powder chamber via the powder outlet opening. In particular, the device for controlling the removal of powder through the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber can be set up for the mass flow to control the raw material powder discharged from the powder chamber via the powder outlet opening stepwise or continuously.
Beispielsweise kann die Einrichtung zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch die Pulverauslassöffnung der Pulverkammer durch eine Förderwelle gebildet werden, die im Betrieb Rohstoffpulver aus der Pulverkammer in Richtung der Pulverauslassöffnung und durch die Pulverauslassöffnung auf den Träger der Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung fördert. Die Förderwelle ist vorzugsweise so positioniert, dass sie in einem Ruhezustand, d.h. in einem nicht angetriebenen Zustand, die Pulverauslassöffnung der Pulverkammer verschließt. Die Förderwelle kann mittels einer geeigneten Antriebseinrichtung in stets der gleichen Drehrichtung oder in wechselnden Drehrichtungen angetrieben werden. Vorzugsweise ist die Position der Pulverauslassöffnung relativ zur Position der Förderwelle in Abhängigkeit der gewünschten Antriebsdrehrichtung der Förderwelle gewählt. Wenn die Pulverauftragvorrichtung mehrere Förderwellen umfasst, können alle Förderwellen in der gleichen Drehrichtung angetrieben werden. Alternativ dazu ist es jedoch auch möglich, einen Teil der Förderwellen in einer Drehrichtung und einen Teil der Förderwellen in einer entgegengesetzten Drehrichtung anzutreiben.For example, the device for controlling the removal of powder through the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber can be formed by a conveyor shaft which in operation raw material powder from the powder chamber in the direction of Pulverauslassöffnung and through the Pulverauslassöffnung on the support of the plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or promotes particle radiation. The conveyor shaft is preferably positioned to be in a resting state, i. in a non-driven state, the powder outlet of the powder chamber closes. The conveyor shaft can be driven by means of a suitable drive device in always the same direction of rotation or in alternating directions of rotation. Preferably, the position of the powder outlet opening is selected relative to the position of the conveying shaft as a function of the desired driving direction of rotation of the conveying shaft. If the powder application device comprises a plurality of conveying shafts, all the conveying shafts can be driven in the same direction of rotation. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to drive a portion of the conveyor shafts in one direction of rotation and a portion of the conveyor shafts in an opposite direction of rotation.
Im Betrieb der erfindungsgemäßen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung können die Einrichtungen zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch die Pulverauslassöffnungen der Pulverkammern von einer elektronischen Steuereinheit in Abhängigkeit der gewünschten Struktur des durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung, insbesondere Laserschmelzen oder Lasersintern herzustellenden Werkstücks gesteuert werden. Beispielsweise können die Einrichtungen zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch die Pulverauslassöffnungen der Pulverkammern so gesteuert werden, dass nacheinander Schichten aus verschiedenen Rohstoffpulvern auf den Träger bzw. eine bereits erzeugte Werkstückschicht aufgebracht werden. Zusätzlich oder alternativ dazu ist auch eine ortselektive Steuerung der Einrichtungen zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch die Pulverauslassöffnungen der Pulverkammern denkbar, d.h. die Einrichtungen zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch die Pulverauslassöffnungen der Pulverkammern können so gesteuert werden, dass verschiedene Bereiche des Trägers der Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung bzw. der bereits erzeugten Werkstückschicht mit einer Schicht aus verschiedenen Rohstoffpulvern bedeckt werden.During operation of the carrier and powder applicator device according to the invention, the devices for controlling the powder discharge through the powder outlet openings of the powder chambers can be controlled by an electronic control unit depending on the desired structure of the workpiece to be produced by impinging powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser melting or laser sintering. For example, the devices for controlling the removal of powder through the powder outlet openings of the powder chambers can be controlled such that layers of different raw material powders are applied successively to the carrier or an already produced workpiece layer. Additionally or alternatively, a locally selective control of the means for controlling the powder discharge through the powder outlet of the powder chambers is conceivable, ie the means for controlling the powder discharge through the Pulverauslassöffnungen the powder chambers can be controlled so that different areas of the support of the plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation or the already produced workpiece layer with a layer of different raw material powders are covered.
Die erfindungsgemäße Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung umfasst vorzugsweise ferner einen Glättungsschieber, der derart relativ zu einer Pulverauslassöffnung einer Pulverkammer positionierbar ist, dass er im Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung, d.h. wenn die Pulverauftragvorrichtung über den Träger bewegt wird, über eine durch die Pulverauslassöffnung auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht streicht, um die Rohstoffpulverschicht zu glätten und auf eine gewünschte Höhe zu nivellieren. Mit anderen Worten, der Glättungsschieber ist vorzugsweise derart relativ zu einer Pulverauslassöffnung einer Pulverkammer positionierbar, dass er bezogen auf eine Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung im Betrieb hinter der Pulverauslassöffnung angeordnet ist. Dadurch kann der Glättungsschieber über die Rohstoff pulverschicht geführt werden, die durch die Pulverauslassöffnung auf den Träger aufgebracht wird.The carrier and powder application device according to the invention preferably further comprises a smoothing slide which is positionable relative to a powder outlet opening of a powder chamber in such a way that during operation of the powder application device, i. when the powder applicator is moved over the carrier, sweeps over a raw material powder layer applied to the carrier by the powder outlet opening to flatten the raw material powder layer and level it to a desired height. In other words, the smoothing slider is preferably positionable relative to a powder outlet opening of a powder chamber such that it is disposed behind the powder outlet opening in operation relative to a direction of movement of the powder application apparatus. As a result, the smoothing slide can be guided over the raw material powder layer which is applied to the carrier through the powder outlet opening.
Bei entsprechender Positionierung des Glättungsschiebers und entsprechendem Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung kann es ausreichen, die Pulverauftragvorrichtung mit lediglich einem Glättungsschieber zu versehen. Beispielsweise kann der Glättungsschieber hinter allen Pulverauslassöffnungen der Pulverauftragvorrichtung positionierbar sein, wenn die Pulverauftragvorrichtung linear in einer ersten Richtung über den Träger bewegt wird. Da der Glättungsschieber dann bei einer Bewegung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung in einer der ersten Richtung entgegengesetzten zweiten Richtung zwangsläufig lediglich vor den Pulverauslassöffnungen positioniert werden kann, ist es dann jedoch erforderlich, die Pulverauslassöffnungen der Pulverauftragvorrichtung bei der Bewegung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung in der zweiten Richtung zu verschließen, d.h. die Bewegung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung in der zweiten Richtung als "Leerfahrt" vorzusehen. Eine derartige Ausgestaltung und ein derartiger Betrieb der erfindungsgemäßen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung ist dann sinnvoll, wenn die Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung möglichst einfach gestaltet sein soll und die zur Werkstückherstellung erforderlichen Zykluszeiten von lediglich untergeordneter Bedeutung sind.With appropriate positioning of the smoothing slide and corresponding operation of the powder application device, it may be sufficient to provide the powder application device with only one smoothing slide. For example, the smoothing slide may be positionable behind all powder outlet openings of the powder applicator when the powder applicator is moved linearly in a first direction over the carrier. However, since the smoothing slider can then be positively positioned only in front of the powder discharge ports in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the powder applicator is moved, it is then necessary to close the powder discharge ports of the powder applicator in the second direction as the powder applicator moves, i.e., in the second direction. to provide the movement of the powder application device in the second direction as "empty travel". Such a configuration and such operation of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention is useful if the carrier and powder application device should be as simple as possible and the cycle times required for workpiece production are of only minor importance.
Ein Pulverauftragvorrichtung, die ohne "Leerfahren" betrieben werden kann, umfasst eine Pulverzufuhröffnung, einen Pulverraum zur Aufnahme von auf einen Träger aufzubringendem Rohstoffpulver sowie einen Pulverraum mit mindestens einer Pulverkammer. Wenn der Pulverraum lediglich eine Pulverkammer umfasst, ist die Pulverkammer mit zwei voneinander getrennten Pulverauslassöffnungen zur Abgabe von Rohstoffpulver aus der Pulverkammer versehen und ein Glättungsschieber zwischen den beiden Pulverauslassöffnungen angeordnet. Dadurch ist der Glättungsschieber bezogen auf eine Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung im Betrieb stets hinter einer Pulverauslassöffnung angeordnet und kann eine über diese Pulverauslassöffnung auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht glätten. Jeder Pulverauslassöffnung der Pulverkammer kann eine einen Auslassquerschnitt der Pulverauslassöffnung steuernde Verschlussvorrichtung und/oder eine beispielsweise in Form einer Förderwelle ausgebildete Fördereinrichtung zur Förderung von in der Pulverkammer aufgenommenem Rohstoffpulver in Richtung der Pulverauslassöffnung umfassen.A powder application device which can be operated without "emptying" comprises a powder feed opening, a powder space for receiving raw material powder to be applied to a carrier and a powder space with at least one powder chamber. If the powder space comprises only a powder chamber, the powder chamber is provided with two separate Pulverauslassöffnungen for dispensing raw material powder from the powder chamber and a smoothing slide between the two Pulverauslassöffnungen arranged. As a result, the smoothing slide is always arranged behind a powder outlet opening in operation relative to a direction of movement of the powder applicator device and can smooth a raw material powder layer applied to the carrier via this powder outlet opening. Each powder outlet opening of the powder chamber may comprise a closure device controlling an outlet cross section of the powder outlet opening and / or a conveying device designed for example in the form of a conveyor shaft for conveying raw material powder accommodated in the powder chamber in the direction of the powder outlet opening.
Eine für einen Betrieb ohne "Leerfahrten" geeignete Pulverauftragvorrichtung muss somit nicht zwingend mit mindestens zwei voneinander getrennten Pulverkammern versehen sein und kann unabhängig von diesem Merkmal beansprucht werden. Eine erfindungsgemäße Pulverauftragvorrichtung mit voneinander getrennten Pulverkammern ist jedoch ebenfalls ohne "Leerfahrten" betreibbar, wenn die Pulverauftragvorrichtung beispielsweise zwei Pulverkammern umfasst, die Pulverkammern mit dem gleichen Pulver gefüllt sind und ein Glättungsschieber zwischen den Pulverauslassöffnungen der beiden Pulverkammern angeordnet ist.A powder applicator suitable for operation without "empty runs" thus does not necessarily have to be provided with at least two separate powder chambers and can be claimed independently of this feature. However, a powder application device according to the invention with separate powder chambers is also operable without "empty runs" when the powder application device comprises, for example, two powder chambers, the powder chambers are filled with the same powder and a smoothing slide between the Pulverauslassöffnungen the two powder chambers is arranged.
Alternativ dazu kann die erfindungsgemäße Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung auch einen ersten und einen zweiten Glättungsschieber umfassen, die derart relativ zu den Pulverauslassöffnungen der Pulverkammern positionierbar sind, dass im Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung, wenn die Pulverauftragvorrichtung über den Träger bewegt wird, einer der Glättungsschieber über eine durch mindestens eine der Pulverauslassöffnungen auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht streicht, um die Rohstoffpulverschicht zu glätten. Mit anderen Worten, bezogen auf eine Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung im Betrieb ist stets ein Glättungsschieber lediglich vor den Pulverauslassöffnungen positionierbar. Der andere Glättungsschieber kann jedoch hinter den Pulverauslassöffnungen positioniert werden und über die durch die Pulverauslassöffnungen auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht geführt werden. Bei einer derartigen Ausgestaltung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung können "Leerfahrten" vermieden werden.Alternatively, the carrier and powder applicator device of the present invention may also include first and second smoothing sliders that are positionable relative to the powder outlets of the powder chambers such that, during operation of the powder applicator, when the powder applicator is moved over the carrier, one of the smoothing sliders passes over one At least one of the Pulverauslassöffnungen applied to the carrier applied raw material powder layer to smooth the raw material powder layer. In other words, with respect to a direction of movement of the powder application device in operation, a smoothing slide can always be positioned in front of the powder outlet openings. However, the other smoothing slide may be positioned behind the powder outlet openings and passed over the raw material powder layer applied to the carrier through the powder outlet openings. In such an embodiment of the powder applicator "empty runs" can be avoided.
Insbesondere dann, wenn Verunreinigungen der verarbeiteten Rohstoffpulver vermieden werden sollen, ist es vorteilhaft, wenn jeder Pulverauslassöffnung einer Pulverkammer ein separater Glättungsschieber zugeordnet ist, der derart relativ zu der Pulverauslassöffnung positionierbar ist, dass er im Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung, wenn die Pulverauftragvorrichtung über den Träger bewegt wird, über eine durch die Pulverauslassöffnung auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht streicht, um die Rohstoffpulverschicht zu glätten. Mit anderen Worten, der Glättungsschieber ist vorzugsweise derart relativ zu der Pulverauslassöffnung positionierbar, dass er bezogen auf eine Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung im Betrieb hinter der Pulverauslassöffnung angeordnet ist. Wiederum kann es bei entsprechendem Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung ausreichen, für jede Pulverauslassöffnung lediglich einen Glättungsschieber vorzusehen, der bei einer Bewegung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung in einer ersten Richtung bezogen auf die Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung hinter der Pulverauslassöffnung, bei einer Bewegung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung in einer der ersten Richtung entgegengesetzten zweiten Richtung jedoch lediglich vor der Pulverauslassöffnung positionierbar ist. Die Bewegung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung in der zweiten Richtung als dann wiederum als "Leerfahrt" vorzusehen.In particular, when contaminants of the processed raw material powders are to be avoided, it is advantageous if each powder outlet opening of a powder chamber is associated with a separate smoothing slide that is positionable relative to the powder outlet opening such that it moves over the carrier during operation of the powder application device is swept over an applied through the Pulverauslassöffnung on the carrier raw material powder layer to smooth the raw material powder layer. In other words, the smoothing slider is preferably positionable relative to the powder outlet opening so as to be located behind the powder outlet opening in operation with respect to a moving direction of the powder application apparatus. Again, with appropriate operation of the powder applicator, it may be sufficient to provide only one smoothing slide for each powder outlet opening in a first direction relative to the direction of movement of the powder applicator behind the powder outlet opening upon movement of the powder applicator in a second opposite direction of the powder applicator Direction, however, can be positioned only in front of the Pulverauslassöffnung. The movement of the powder applicator in the second direction then again as "empty" to provide.
Alternativ dazu kann jeder Pulverauslassöffnung einer Pulverkammer ein erster und ein zweiter Glättungsschieber zugeordnet sein, die derart relativ zu der Pulverauslassöffnung positionierbar sind, dass im Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung, wenn die Pulverauftragvorrichtung über den Träger bewegt wird, einer der Glättungsschieber über eine durch die Pulverauslassöffnung auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht streicht, um die Rohstoffpulverschicht zu glätten. Bei dieser Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung ist stets ein Glättungsschieber bezogen auf eine Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung im Betrieb hinter der Pulverauslassöffnung positionierbar und kann über die durch die Pulverauslassöffnung auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht geführt werden. Dies ermöglicht die Vermeidung von "Leerfahrten".Alternatively, each powder outlet port of a powder chamber may be associated with first and second smoothing shifters positionable relative to the powder exhaust port such that, during operation of the powder application device, as the powder applicator is moved over the carrier, one of the smoothing shifters extends across the powder outlet port on the powder discharge port Carrier applied raw material powder layer strokes to smooth the raw material powder layer. In this embodiment of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention, a smoothing slide is always positionable behind the powder outlet opening in operation relative to a direction of movement of the powder application device and can be guided via the raw material powder layer applied to the carrier by the powder outlet opening. This allows the avoidance of "empty runs".
Ein oder alle Glättungsschieber der erfindungsgemäßen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung kann/können vertikal zwischen einer Ruhestellung und einer Betriebsstellung verschiebbar sein. In seiner Ruhestellung hat ein Glättungsschieber vorzugsweise keinen Kontakt mit einer von der Pulverauftragvorrichtung erzeugten, d.h. auf den Träger aufgebrachten Rohstoffpulveroberfläche. In seiner Betriebsstellung wird der Glättungsschieber dagegen über die von der Pulverauftragvorrichtung erzeugte, d.h. die auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulveroberfläche geführt, um die Rohstoffpulveroberfläche glatt zu streichen und auf eine gewünschte Höhe zu nivellieren. Zwischen einer Ruhestellung und einer Betriebsstellung verschiebbare Glättungsschieber haben den Vorteil, dass sie dann, wenn sie nicht benötigt werden, den Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung nicht stören. Die vertikale Verschiebung des Glättungsschiebers kann manuell oder automatisch, beispielsweise durch eine elektronische Steuereinheit gesteuert erfolgen.One or all smoothing slides of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention can / can be displaced vertically between a rest position and an operating position. In its rest position, a smoothing slide preferably has no contact with a powder-powder surface produced by the powder application device, ie, applied to the carrier. In his operating position On the other hand, the smoothing slide is guided over the powdery material surface produced by the powder application device, ie the raw material powder surface applied to the carrier, in order to smooth the raw material powder surface and to level it to a desired height. Between a rest position and an operating position sliding smoothing slide have the advantage that they do not interfere with the operation of the powder application device when they are not needed. The vertical displacement of the smoothing slide can be done manually or automatically, for example controlled by an electronic control unit.
Ferner kann die erfindungsgemäße Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung einen oder mehrere Glättungsschieber umfassen, der/die horizontal zwischen einer ersten und einer zweiten Stellung verschiebbar ist/sind. Der Glättungsschieber ist dann im Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung, wenn die Pulverauftragvorrichtung in entgegengesetzte Richtungen über den Träger hin- und herbewegt wird, stets derart relativ zu einer Pulverauslassöffnung einer Pulverkammer positionierbar, dass er über eine durch die Pulverauslassöffnung auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht streicht, um die Rohstoffpulverschicht zu glätten. Mit anderen Worten, der Glättungsschieber ist derart horizontal verschiebbar, dass er im Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung bezogen auf eine Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung stets hinter der Pulverauslassöffnung der Pulverkammer positioniert werden kann. Ein horizontal verschiebbarer Glättungsschieber kann nur horizontal oder horizontal und vertikal verschiebbar ausgebildet sein. Die horizontale Verschiebung eines Glättungsschiebers kann manuell oder automatisch, beispielsweise durch eine elektronische Steuereinheit gesteuert erfolgen.Furthermore, the carrier and powder application device according to the invention may comprise one or more smoothing slides, which / is horizontally displaceable between a first and a second position / are. The smoothing slide is then in the operation of the powder application device, when the powder applicator reciprocated in opposite directions across the carrier, always positionable relative to a Pulverauslassöffnung a powder chamber so that it sweeps over an applied through the Pulverauslassöffnung on the carrier raw material powder layer to the Smooth raw material powder layer. In other words, the smoothing slider is horizontally displaceable in such a way that it can always be positioned behind the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber in the operation of the powder applicator with respect to a direction of movement of the powder applicator. A horizontally displaceable smoothing slide can only be formed horizontally or horizontally and vertically displaceable. The horizontal displacement of a smoothing slide can be done manually or automatically, for example controlled by an electronic control unit.
Wenn jeder Pulverauslassöffnung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung ein Glättungsschieber zugeordnet ist, kann ein Teil der Glättungsschieber oder alle Glättungsschieber horizontal verschiebbar ausgebildet sein. Ferner ist es denkbar, die erfindungsgemäße Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung mit nur einem Glättungsschieber zu versehen, der horizontal zwischen einer ersten Stellung, in der der Glättungsschieber bezogen auf eine Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung im Betrieb hinter allen Pulverauslassöffnungen angeordnet ist, und einer zweiten Stellung, in der der Glättungsschieber bezogen auf eine entgegengesetzte Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung im Betrieb hinter allen Pulverauslassöffnungen angeordnet ist, verschiebbar ist. Schließlich ist es denkbar, einen Glättungsschieber der Pulverauftragvorrichtung derart horizontal verschiebbar auszubilden, dass der Glättungsschieber in einer ersten Stellung bezogen auf eine Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung im Betrieb hinter einer ersten Pulverauslassöffnung einer ersten Pulverkammer angeordnet ist, und in einer zweiten Stellung bezogen auf eine Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung im Betrieb hinter einer zweiten Pulverauslassöffnung einer zweiten Pulverkammer angeordnet ist.If each powder outlet opening of the powder applicator device is assigned a smoothing slide, a part of the smoothing slides or all smoothing slides can be made horizontally displaceable. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide the carrier and powder applicator device according to the invention with only one smoothing slide, which is arranged horizontally between a first position in which the smoothing slide is arranged behind all powder outlet openings in operation relative to a direction of movement of the powder application device, and a second position in which the smoothing slide is arranged in relation to an opposite direction of movement of the powder application device in operation behind all Pulverauslassöffnungen is displaced. Finally, it is conceivable to design a smoothing slide of the powder application device so as to be horizontally displaceable in such a way that the smoothing slide in operation in a first position with respect to a direction of movement of the powder application device behind a first powder outlet opening of a first powder chamber, and is arranged in a second position with respect to a direction of movement of the powder application device in operation behind a second powder outlet of a second powder chamber.
Ein horizontal oder vertikal verschiebbarer Glättungsschieber der erfindungsgemäßen Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung kann mit einer Einrichtung zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch eine Pulverauslassöffnung einer Pulverkammer gekoppelt sein, die die Pulverauslassöffnung der Pulverkammer in Abhängigkeit einer Stellung des Glättungsschiebers verschließt oder freigibt. Beispielsweise können der Glättungsschieber und die Einrichtung zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch eine Pulverauslassöffnung einer Pulverkammer derart gekoppelt sein, dass die Einrichtung zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch eine Pulverauslassöffnung einer Pulverkammer die Pulverauslassöffnung verschließt, wenn sich der Glättungsschieber in seiner Ruhestellung befindet. In ähnlicher Weise können der Glättungsschieber und die Einrichtung zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch eine Pulverauslassöffnung einer Pulverkammer derart gekoppelt sein, dass die Einrichtung zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch eine Pulverauslassöffnung einer Pulverkammer die Pulverauslassöffnung verschließt, wenn der Glättungsschieber bezogen auf eine Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung im Betrieb lediglich vor der Pulverauslassöffnung angeordnet ist.A horizontally or vertically displaceable smoothing slide of the carrier and powder application device according to the invention can be coupled to a device for controlling the powder discharge through a powder outlet opening of a powder chamber which closes or releases the powder outlet opening of the powder chamber in dependence on a position of the smoothing slide. For example, the smoothing gate and the powder discharge control means may be coupled through a powder discharge port of a powder chamber such that the powder discharge control device through a powder discharge port of a powder chamber closes the powder discharge port when the smoothing gate is in its rest position. Similarly, the smoothing gate and the powder discharge control means may be coupled through a powder discharge port of a powder chamber such that the powder discharge control device closes the powder discharge port through a powder outlet port of a powder chamber when the smoothing gate is in operation only in relation to a direction of movement of the powder application device is arranged in front of the Pulverauslassöffnung.
Die Steuerung eines horizontal und/oder vertikal verschiebbaren Glättungsschiebers kann ebenso wie die Steuerung der Einrichtung zur Steuerung der Pulverabfuhr durch eine Pulverauslassöffnung einer Pulverkammer von einer elektronischen Steuereinheit übernommen werden. Diese elektronische Steuereinheit kann eine ausschließlich der Pulverauftragvorrichtung zugeordnete elektronische Steuereinheit sein. Alternativ dazu können die im Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung erforderlichen Steuerfunktionen auch von einer übergeordneten Steuereinheit der Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung übernommen werden. Vorzugsweise steuert die elektronische Steuereinheit den Betrieb der erfindungsgemäßen Pulverauftragvorrichtung in Abhängigkeit von CAD-Daten des durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung, insbesondere Laserschmelzen oder Lasersintern herzustellenden Werkstücks.The control of a horizontally and / or vertically displaceable smoothing slide, as well as the control of the device for controlling the powder discharge through a powder outlet opening of a powder chamber can be taken over by an electronic control unit. This electronic control unit may be an electronic control unit exclusively assigned to the powder application device. Alternatively, the control functions required during operation of the powder application device can also be assumed by a superordinate control unit of the plant for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation. The electronic control unit preferably controls the operation of the powder applicator device according to the invention as a function of CAD data of the workpiece to be produced by impinging powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser melts or laser sintering.
Eine erfindungsgemäße Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung umfasst eine Bestrahlungseinrichtung zur selektiven Beaufschlagung einer auf einem Träger aufgebrachten Rohstoffpulverschicht mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung, insbesondere Laserstrahlung. Die Bestrahlungseinrichtung umfasst vorzugsweise einen fokussierten Laser. Ein Strahl der Bestrahlungseinrichtung wird über die auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht geführt, so dass die auf den Träger aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht ortselektiv mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung beaufschlagt wird. Der durch die Beaufschlagung mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung verursachte Wärmeeintrag in die Rohstoffpulverschicht bewirkt, dass die einzelnen Partikel des Rohstoffpulvers in der Rohstoffpulverschicht miteinander verschmelzen bzw. versintern und dadurch ein schichtweiser Werkstückaufbau erfolgt. Eine Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung der erfindungsgemäßen Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung ist eine oben beschriebene erfindungsgemäße Träger- und Pulverauftragvorrichtung.A plant according to the invention for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation comprises an irradiation device for the selective application of an applied to a carrier raw material powder layer with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular laser radiation. The irradiation device preferably comprises a focused laser. A beam of the irradiation device is guided over the raw material powder layer applied to the carrier, so that the raw material powder layer applied to the carrier is locally selectively exposed to electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation. The heat input into the raw material powder layer caused by the application of electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation causes the individual particles of the raw material powder in the raw material powder layer to fuse or sinter together, thereby producing a layered workpiece structure. A carrier and powder application device of the plant according to the invention for the production of workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation is a carrier and powder application device according to the invention described above.
Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung werden nun anhand der beigefügten, schematischen Zeichnungen näher erläutert, von denen
Figur 1- eine Pulverauftragvorrichtung mit vier Pulverkammern zeigt,
- Figur 2
- eine Pulverauftragvorrichtung mit zwei Pulverkammern und einem ver- tikal verschiebbaren Glättungsschieber zeigt,
- Figur 3
- eine Pulverauftragvorrichtung mit zwei Pulverkammern und zwei verti- kal verschiebbaren Glättungsschiebern zeigt, und
- Figur 4
- eine Pulverauftragvorrichtung mit zwei Pulverkammern und vier vertikal verschiebbaren Glättungsschiebern zeigt,
- Figur 5
- eine Pulverauftragvorrichtung mit zwei Pulverkammern und einem so- wohl vertikal als auch horizontal verschiebbaren Glättungsschieber zeigt,
- Figur 6
- eine Pulverauftragvorrichtung mit zwei Pulverkammern und zwei hori- zontal sowie vertikal verschiebbaren Glättungsschiebern zeigt.
- FIG. 1
- shows a powder application device with four powder chambers,
- FIG. 2
- shows a powder application device with two powder chambers and a vertically displaceable smoothing slide,
- FIG. 3
- shows a powder application device with two powder chambers and two vertically movable smoothing pushers, and
- FIG. 4
- shows a powder application device with two powder chambers and four vertically displaceable smoothing pushers,
- FIG. 5
- shows a powder application device with two powder chambers and a smoothing slide which can be displaced vertically as well as horizontally,
- FIG. 6
- a powder application device with two powder chambers and two horizontally and vertically sliding smoothing slides shows.
Auf ihrer der Oberfläche des Trägers 12 zugewandten Unterseite sind die Pulverkammern 16a bis 16d der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10 mit Pulverauslassöffnungen 19a bis 19d versehen. Über die Pulverauslassöffnungen 19a bis 19d kann Rohstoffpulver aus den Pulverkammern 16a bis 16d auf die Oberfläche des Trägers 12 aufgebracht werden, während die Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10 über die Trägeroberfläche bewegt wird. Dadurch wird auf der Trägeroberfläche eine Rohstoffpulverschicht erzeugt. Die Rohstoffpulverschicht kann dann zum schichtweisen Aufbau eines Werkstücks von einer Lasereinrichtung ortselektiv mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung, insbesondere Laserstrahlung beaufschlagt werden. Die Pulverkammern 16a bis 16d der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10 können mit unterschiedlichen Rohstoffpulvern befüllt werden, wobei die Rohstoffpulver Kunststoffpulver, keramische Pulver und/oder metallische Pulver sein können. Mit Hilfe der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10 können somit bei der Herstellung von Werkstücken durch selektives Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung, insbesondere Laserschmelzen oder Lasersintern verschiedene Rohstoffpulver verarbeitet werden.On its underside facing the surface of the
Bei der in Fg. 2 veranschaulichten Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' umfasst der Pulverraum 14' zwei Pulverkammern 16a', 16b'. Die Pulverkammern 16a', 16b' sind mittels einer Trennwand 22' voneinander getrennt. Den Pulverkammern 16a', 16b' sind über eine gemeinsame Pulverzufuhröffnung 18' mittels einer beispielsweise in Form eines Zufuhrschlauchs oder dergleichen gestaltete geeignete Zufuhrvorrichtung gleiche oder unterschiedliche Rohstoffpulver diskontinuierlich oder kontinuierlich zuführbar. Die Pulverkammern 16a', 16b' sind wiederum jeweils mit einer Pulverauslassöffnung 19a', 19b' versehen, durch die Rohstoffpulver aus den Pulverkammern 16a', 16b' auf eine Oberfläche eines nicht gezeigten Trägers einer Anlage zur Herstellung von Werkstücken durch Beaufschlagen von Pulverschichten mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung oder Teilchenstrahlung aufgebracht werden kann.In the powder application device 10 'illustrated in FIG. 2, the powder space 14' comprises two
In den Pulverkammern 16a', 16b' der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' ist jeweils eine Förderwelle 24a', 24b' angeordnet. Während die Förderwelle 24a' von einer Antriebseinrichtung im Uhrzeigersinn angetrieben wird, wird die Förderwelle 24b' von einer Antriebseinrichtung im Gegenuhrzeigersinn angetrieben. Die Förderwellen 24a', 24b' dienen dazu, das in den Pulverkammern 16a', 16b' aufgenommene Rohstoffpulver in Richtung der Pulverauslassöffnungen 19a', 19b' zu fördern. Zur Verbesserung ihrer Förderwirkung sind die Förderwellen 24a', 24b' auf ihrer Oberfläche mit einer Mehrzahl von Vertiefungen 26a', 26b' versehen. Die Förderwellen 24a', 24b' sind so positioniert, dass sie in einem Ruhezustand, d.h. in einem nicht angetriebenen Zustand, die Pulverauslassöffnungen 19a', 19b' der Pulverkammern 16a', 16b' verschließen. Obwohl dies in
Ferner umfasst die Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' einen zwischen den Pulverauslassöffnungen 19a', 19b' angeordneten Glättungsschieber 28'. Der Glättungsschieber 28' dient dazu, die von der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' auf die Trägeroberfläche aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht zu glätten und auf eine gewünschte Höhe zu nivellieren. Wenn die Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10 in einer durch den Pfeil P1 angedeuteten Bewegungsrichtung über die Trägeroberfläche bewegt wird, ist der Glättungsschieber 28' bezogen auf die Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10 hinter der Pulverauslassöffnung 19a' angeordnet. Der Glättungsschieber 28' kann dann eine über die Pulverauslassöffnung 19a' auf die Trägeroberfläche aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht glätten und auf eine gewünschte Höhe bringen. Wenn die Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' dagegen in der durch den Pfeil P2 angedeuteten Richtung über die Trägeroberfläche bewegt wird, ist der Glättungsschieber 28' hinter der Pulverauslassöffnung 19b' angeordnet. Der Glättungsschieber 28' kann dann eine über die Pulverauslassöffnung 19b' auf die Trägeroberfläche aufgebrachte Rohstoffpulverschicht glätten und auf eine-gewünschte Höhe bringen. "Leerfahrten" werden bei dieser Vorgehensweise vermieden.Furthermore, the powder application device 10 'comprises a smoothing slide 28' arranged between the
Folglich wird die Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10 in Richtung des Pfeils P1 über die Trägeroberfläche bewegt, wenn Rohstoffpulver aus der Pulverkammer 16a' auf die Trägeroberfläche aufgebracht werden soll. Wenn dagegen Rohstoffpulver aus der Pulverkammer 16b' auf die Trägeroberfläche aufgebracht werden soll, wird die Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' in Richtung des Pfeils P2 über die Trägeroberfläche bewegt. Wenn die Pulverkammern 16a', 16b' mit dem gleichen Rohstoffpulver gefüllt sind, ist folglich ein Betrieb ohne "Leerfahrten" möglich.Consequently, the
In Abhängigkeit der gewünschten Schichtstruktur des herzustellenden Werkstücks kann der Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' insbesondere bei der Verwendung unterschiedlicher Rohstoffpulver in den Pulverkammern 16a', 16b' jedoch auchgewünschte "Leerfahrten" beinhalten, bei denen die Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' über die Trägeroberfläche bewegt wird, beide Pulverauslassöffnungen 19a', 19b' aber verschlossen sind, so dass kein Rohstoffpulver auf die Trägeroberfläche aufgebracht wird. Um zu verhindern, dass der Glättungsschieber 28' insbesondere während dieser "Leerfahrten" in störender Weise über die Trägeroberfläche bzw. eine bereits bestehende Werkstückoberfläche streicht, ist der Glättungsschieber 28' vertikal zwischen einer Ruhestellung, in der der Glättungsschieber 28' keinen Kontakt mit einer von der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' erzeugten Rohstoffpulverobertläche bzw. einer bereits bestehenden Werkstückoberfläche hat, und einer Betriebsstellung, in der der Glättungsschieber 28' über die von der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' erzeugte Rohstoffpulveroberfläche geführt wird, verschiebbar.Depending on the desired layer structure of the workpiece to be produced, however, the operation of the powder applicator 10 'may also include desirable "empty runs", in particular when using different raw material powders in the
Die in
Die Glättungsschieber 28a', 28b' sind, ebenso wie der Glättungsschieber 28' der Anordnung gemäß
Wenn die Rohstoffpulverabgabe aus der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' auf die Trägeroberfläche über die Pulverauslassöffnung 19a' erfolgt, befinden sich die der Pulverauslassöffnung 19b' zugeordneten Glättungsschieber 28c', 28d' in ihrer Ruhestellung. Ein der Pulverauslassöffnung 19a' zugeordneter Glättungsschieber 28a', 28b' befindet sich dagegen in seiner Betriebsstellung. Dies ist bei einer Bewegung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' in Richtung des Pfeils P1 der Glättungsschieber 28b' und bei einer Bewegung der Pulverauftragsrichtung 10' in Richtung des Pfeils P2 der Glättungsschieber 28a'. Wenn die Pulverabgabe aus der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' auf die Trägeroberfläche dagegen über die Pulverauslassöffnung 19b' erfolgt, befinden sich die der Pulverauslassöffnung 19a' zugeordneten Glättungsschieber 28a', 28b' in ihrer Ruhestellung. Ein der Pulverauslassöffnung 19b' zugeordneter Glättungsschieber 28c', 28d' befindet sich dagegen in seiner Betriebsstellung. Bei einer Bewegung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' in Richtung des Pfeils P1 ist dies der Glättungsschieber 28d' und bei einer Bewegung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' in Richtung des Pfeils P2 der Glättungsschieber 28c'.When the raw material powder discharge from the powder application device 10 'takes place on the carrier surface via the
Durch den Einsatz verschiedener Glättungsschieber 28a' bis 28d' zur Glättung von über verschiedene Pulverauslassöffnungen 19a', 19b' aus der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' abgegebene Rohstoffpulverschichten wird eine Verunreinigung der Rohstoffpulverschichten mit an den Glättungsschiebern 28a' bis 28d' anhaftenden Pulverpartikeln zuverlässig verhindert. Ferner werden durch den Einsatz von vier Glättungsschiebern 28a' bis 28d' im Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' "Leerfahrten" vermieden, da unabhängig von der Bewegungsrichtung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' jeder Pulverauslassöffnung 19a', 19b' stets ein hinter der Pulverauslassöffnung 19a', 19b' angeordneter Glättungsschieber 28a' bis 28d' zugeordnet ist. Im Übrigen entsprechen der Aufbau und die Funktionsweise der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' gemäß
Die in
Schließlich zeigt
Wenn im Betrieb der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' über die Pulverauslassöffnung 19a' Pulver ausgegeben wird, befindet sich der Glättungsschieber 28b" in seiner Ruhestellung. Bei einer Bewegung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' in Richtung des Pfeils P1 befindet sich der Glättungsschieber 28a" dagegen in seiner ersten Stellung und bei einer Bewegung der Pulverauftragvorrichtung 10' in Richtung des Pfeils P2 in seiner in
Ähnlich wie bei der Anordnung gemäß
Claims (9)
- Carrier and powder application apparatus (10') for use in a plant for manufacturing work pieces by impinging powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, comprising:- a carrier (12) for receiving a raw material powder and a work piece made of said raw material powder by a generative layer construction method,- a powder supply opening (18'), and- a powder room (14') for receiving raw material powder to be applied onto the carrier (12),wherein the powder room (14') comprises at least one powder chamber (16a', 16b') having a powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') for discharging raw material powder from the powder chamber (16a', 16b') onto the carrier (12),
characterized by at least one leveling slider (28'; 28a'-28d'; 28"; 28a", 28b")- which is positionable relative to the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') of the powder chamber (16a', 16b') by vertical displacement between an idle position and an operating position such that it is not in contact with a raw material powder layer applied onto the carrier (12) via the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') in its idle position and such that it sweeps across the raw material powder layer applied onto the carrier (12) via the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') in its operating position in order to level the raw material powder layer during operation of the powder application device (10'), when the powder application device (10') is moved across the carrier (12),
and/or- which is positionable relative to the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') of the powder chamber (16a', 16b') by horizontal displacement between a first position and a second position such that it is always positionable relative to the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') in such a manner that it sweeps across a raw material powder layer applied onto the carrier (12) via the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') in order to level the raw material powder layer during operation of the powder application device (10'), when the powder application device (10') is moved across the carrier (12) in opposite directions. - Carrier and powder application apparatus according to claim 1,
characterized in that a device for controlling the powder discharge through the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') of the powder chamber (16a', 16b') is associated with the powder chamber (16a', 16b'). - Carrier and powder application apparatus according to claim 2,
characterized in that the device for controlling the powder discharge through the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') of the powder chamber (16a', 16b') comprises a closure means controlling an outlet cross section of the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') and/or a conveying means (24a', 24b') for conveying raw material powder received in the powder chamber (16a', 16b') towards the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b). - Carrier and powder application apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
characterized in that the horizontally and/or vertically displaceable leveling slider (28'; 28a'-28d'; 28"; 28a", 28b") is coupled to the device for controlling the powder discharge through the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') of the powder chamber (16a', 16b'), which device closes or releases the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') of the powder chamber (16a', 16b') in dependence on the position of the leveling slider (28'; 28a'-28d'; 28"; 28a", 28b"). - Carrier and powder application apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized by a first and a second levelling slider (28a'; 28b') which are positionable relative to the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') of the powder chambers (16a', 16b') such that one of the levelling sliders (28a', 28b') sweeps across a raw material powder layer applied onto the carrier (12) via at least one powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') in order to level the raw material powder layer during operation of the powder application device (10'), when the powder application device (10') is moved across the carrier (12). - Carrier and powder application apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that the powder room (14') comprises at least two separate powder chambers (16a', 16b'), wherein each powder chamber (16a', 16b') is provided with a powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') for discharging raw material powder from the powder chamber (16a', 16b') onto the carrier (12). - Carrier and powder application apparatus according to claim 6,
characterized in that a levelling slider (28a'-28d'; 28a", 28b") is associated with each powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') of a powder chamber (16a', 16b'), which levelling slider is positionable relative to the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') such that it sweeps across a raw material powder layer applied onto the carrier (12) via the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') in order to level the raw material powder layer during operation of the powder application device (10'), when the powder application device (10') is moved across the carrier (12). - Carrier and powder application apparatus according to claim 6 or 7,
characterized in that a first and a second levelling slider (28a'-28d') are associated with each powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') of a powder chamber (16a', 16b'), which levelling sliders are positionable relative to the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') such that one of the levelling sliders (28a'-28d') sweeps across a raw material powder layer applied onto the carrier (12) via the powder outlet opening (19a', 19b') in order to level the raw material powder layer during operation of the powder application device (10'), when the powder application device (10') is moved across the carrier (12). - Plant for manufacturing work pieces by impinging powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, comprising:- an irradiation device for selectively impinging a raw material powder layer (20) applied onto a carrier (12) with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation,- a carrier and powder application device (10') according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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EP08020606A EP2191922B1 (en) | 2008-11-27 | 2008-11-27 | Carrier and powder application device for a system to manufacture workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation |
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EP08020606A Active EP2191922B1 (en) | 2008-11-27 | 2008-11-27 | Carrier and powder application device for a system to manufacture workpieces by applying powder layers with electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation |
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EP2202016A1 (en) | 2010-06-30 |
DE502008002246D1 (en) | 2011-02-17 |
EP2191922A1 (en) | 2010-06-02 |
EP2191922B1 (en) | 2011-01-05 |
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